Centrale Lyon ENISE: Let's start with your background. How far have you come?
Elina: I'm a pure Eniséenne. I started with the prépa intégrée, 4 years ago now. After that, I chose Mechanical Engineering, with a focus on work-study. I'm currently working for a company in Roanne (MGA MedTech) and taking a Mechanical Engineering course.
Centrale Lyon ENISE: Why work-study?
Elina: I've always liked the concept. Alternance is a good way to learn while practicing at the same time. I learn much better on the job! I didn't want to wait for internships or the end of the 5ᵉ year to understand what I can really do and in what areas I can be useful. It's very rewarding to see in concrete terms what I can achieve with my own hands.
The two years of prep school and then the sandwich course enabled me to quickly get my foot in the door of the industrial world. This enabled me to consolidate my choice and better define what I liked, because studies can be seductive, but the reality in the field is different.
Centrale Lyon ENISE: Why Mechanical Engineering?
Elina: I've always been attracted by the concrete, manual side of Mechanical Engineering. What's more, my father was an engineer in this field, so I was lucky enough to have a good understanding of what the job entailed. I immediately appreciated the balance between working in the design office and collaborating with production teams. It's something I've always enjoyed. I particularly like research and innovation, especially around eco-design, areas that are very often found in Mechanical Engineering.
Centrale Lyon ENISE: Let's come to Made In France on M6. Why did you take part?
Elina: My HR contacted me after hearing about the casting for this show and suggested I apply. I was immediately interested, as I like to pass on my passion for work-study. So I made an initial two-minute video presentation, which was accepted. I then went on to make more concrete videos, illustrating actions carried out at the workshop, and was again selected for this second phase. So I was one of the six finalists who were lucky enough to take part in this program.
Centrale Lyon ENISE: What did it consist of?
Elina: It consisted of 4 episodes designed to promote work-study in French industry. The first 3 were presentations by the participants, and the last was a pitch competition.
Centrale Lyon ENISE: How has this show benefited you?
Elina:I'm just starting out in the professional world and this show has enabled me to build up a network of contacts, in particular with several people in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes or in France. It was a very nice surprise that I wasn't expecting.
Centrale Lyon ENISE: What do you see as the school's strong points?
Elina: We receive a solid grounding in mechanics. We have very good, passionate teachers who take the time to pass on their knowledge. They are also very available outside class hours. As engineering students, we enjoy real freedom of expression and initiative in carrying out projects.
Centrale Lyon ENISE: What is your feedback on being a woman in an engineering career?
Elina: When I started my studies and then entered the corporate world, I was quite surprised by the lack of gender diversity. This led me to ask myself some questions, before realizing, over time, that it made no difference to my day-to-day life. The atmosphere at Centrale Lyon ENISE is very good. When I spoke with two other participants in the M6 show, I realized that they shared the same feeling as me: some fields of study still lack women.
There are still few women in engineering studies, but that in no way means that they are reserved for men or that the atmosphere is masculine. It's important to encourage more women to get involved.
Centrale Lyon ENISE: What are your plans?
Elina:I'm off to Brazil to do my internship abroad with a company in the medical sector, and I'm delighted with this new experience! After that, I'll be completing my final year of studies on a sandwich course. My current company, where I really enjoy my work, may eventually offer me a permanent contract. I also have other projects in mind, thanks in particular to the contacts I made on the M6 show, and why not consider a VIE. In short, there are several avenues open to me!